According to a well-informed source, Ry Cooder is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2018. But while the musician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 71-year-old musician, as a 2018 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Cooder so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the musician have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Los Angeles Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Los Angeles (Ry Cooder's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the musician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#CooderPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”— @TomMiller, 19 Mar 2018